The APIA (Asian Pacific Islander Affinity) student group welcomed all to their Lunar New Year celebration 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the CSUMB Dining Commons.

“The first 200 community members received a small gift in a red envelope, and were invited to purchase lunch at the Dining Commons to enjoy the special menu,” said Lynette Lathrop of the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development. The first 50 attendees were also given meal vouchers. 

The special menu included such items as pineapple beet poke bowls, kaarage fried chicken, chicken pot stickers, broiled tilapia, braised bok choy, spring rolls, made-to-order stir fry, sesame seed cookies, ginger cake and more.  

It resulted in longer lines than the Dining Commons generally sees, but one organizer reasoned that it was worth the wait for the special occasion. There were decorations of miniature red Chinese lanterns, while music from various Asian countries were played over speakers. 

Tuesday’s event — co-sponsored by the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Sustainability, and Dining Services — was the second one the APIA has organized this month; the first was on Sunday, Jan. 22, at the Otter Student Union. 

“Having multiple events to celebrate Lunar New Year helps the CSUMB community become more culturally diverse and inclusive to others' backgrounds,” said Jayda Ablola, president of the APIA. She describes the APIA as an inclusive affinity club, numbering 206 members, that welcomes students of all backgrounds to join and make lasting connections.

“Not all of our members are of Asian Pacific Islander descent,” she says. “That is what makes CSUMB's APIA club so special, because of our diverse backgrounds. We bring awareness to both past and current issues that the API community faces.”